The Wackness director Jonathan Levine has been hired to direct Legend for CBS Films, and adaptation of the upcoming Marie Lu novel that the company picked up in February, according to THR. Big things are expected on the book, with Penguin ordering a massive initial run of 350,000 copies when it’s published in November, and so they want to get a movie version going as soon as possible.
In the book, what was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. Born into an elite family in one of the Republics wealthiest districts, 15-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republics highest military circles. Born into the slums, 15-year-old Day is the countrys most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths until the day Junes brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his familys survival, while June seeks to avenge Metiass death. However, in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen will produce Legend, although it isn’t clear if a screenwriter has been hired yet, or if Jonathan Levine will adapt the novel himself.